LEN Teh Footy God's Footballodium

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I love the screams of joy from the tower blocks on the clip of the goal against Spain. Really brought a smile to my face.

I remember me and my dad watching that game, and doing much the same thing when he scored. Truly, the man was one of the all time greats, and it was lovely to witness his comeback. (Zidane, not my father.)

My favourite World Cup goal from an aesthetic point of view is this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPgbLYp_h2c&feature=related), though. I love the way the ball barely touches the ground during the build up, and the finish is absolutely outrageous.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

My favourite:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltn13sMvJSs

I guess that was the "Hand of GOD" ~:shock:, not Maradona itself!:laugh4:

Anyway, fortunately there are so many fantastic goals we may choose for favourites. Let's hope a lote more for the next competitions. :yes: :beam: :2thumbsup:

[InsaneApache]

Well, well, well rdeče.jabolko, looks like your lot hero worship my lot! Muhahaha!


ABERDEEN hope to get the green light later this month to move to a new stadium.

If proposals for a community complex aren't passed, the Dons could play European ties away from Pittodrie because the delapidated ground would be too dangerous.

A similar scheme was rejected four years ago but chairman Stewart Milne is confident approval for a ground similar to Bolton's Reebok Stadium will be granted on December 19.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/scottish-football/2007/12/05/aberdeen-plan-to-move-to-30-000-seat-stadium-86908-20205119/

:whip: :egypt:

[scotchedpommes]

Milne is a :daisy: All he has ever been concerned with is getting some
new flats with a sea view.

Of course, though... yes... Bolton is the, uh... benchmark. :shifty: Home
attendance down your way is just about as poor as here.

[scotchedpommes]

Oh, and Louis, this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSo4GPQUHmk) almost slipped under the radar, didn't it? :grin2:
Lucky you, though! I caught up with Ligue 1 last night.

Edit: Goals only (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laIn8cmZgkE).

[Louis VI the Fat]

Oh, and Louis, this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSo4GPQUHmk) almost slipped under the radar, didn't it? :grin2:
Lucky you, though! I caught up with Ligue 1 last night. Last night? That five nil thrashing was from last week.

This week's antics of that bunch of sorry sods playing in back saw Bordeaux give away a 3-0 lead after sixtyfive minutes. Toulouse came back to 3-3 within a ten minute timespan. Forget about Liverpool - Milan, here's how (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PRvVhRO9vU) to piss away a 3-0 lead. :furious3:

Thankfully, Ducasse made it 4-3 again in the last minute. And both goals by Wendel are sweeet. :yes:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Sorry to sidetrack, but Aberdeen looked impressive at he weekend there rdece, just a few days after a big Euro game as well.

BTW, in that Bordeaux-Toulouse game, check out the defenders attempt at a goaline clearance for that second goal. That must have been God's other hand.

[scotchedpommes]

Last night? That five nil thrashing was from last week.
Yes, I know. Was only just able to watch the Toulouse highlights last night after
recovering from the shock of hearing about the Caen result. Felt it deserved to
get a mention here, of course. ~;)

And Hibs fairly contributed to that result, Rhy.

[Subedei]

Anyone noticed Nürnberg [aka. one of the cities in MTW2] won yesterday an UEFA Cup game against Alkmaar 2:1?...The comeback of Marek Mintal who scored in minute 83. and 85....Everybody was thinking the game is lost for Nürnberg....

Anyways: Respect out to the Dutch team: Alkmaar dominated the 1st half completely and are a team to watch in the next years; young, good skills, athletic and well sponsored....:2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Of course it was noticed. Nürnberg had to come through some tough trials,
clearly. I think AZ will be all the more disappointed considering they look to
be relegation material in the league. Given my dislike for van Gaal, though, I
was quite pleased.

[Will be watching Anderlecht - Tottenham tonight.]

Elsewhere in Uefa Cup football:

Hundreds of Bolton fans have been detained in Belgrade (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7131542.stm), ahead of the
match against Crvena Zvezda.

[edyzmedieval]

I'm so dissapointed at the moment with Ajax and the Romanian teams. From the good things that happened last year, Romanian football is in a free fall! :no:

[scotchedpommes]

Your national team qualified, quite convincingly, for Euro 2008. I don't think
you're in a position to complain. Free fall is just exaggeration.

[InsaneApache]

Hundreds of Bolton Wanderers football fans were detained at a Belgrade hotel ahead of the club's Uefa Cup tie.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7131542.stm

:inquisitive:

...and then I read this...


Red Star Belgrade 0-1 Bolton

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7131141.stm

Ahh well, at least we're winning, although those poor buggers won't see the game.

I won't swear, honest. :thumbsdown:

:furious3:

[InsaneApache]

Blimey. :beam:

[scotchedpommes]

Indeed. You're going to need your abacus in a couple of weeks, IA.

[edyzmedieval]

Your national team qualified, quite convincingly, for Euro 2008. I don't think
you're in a position to complain. Free fall is just exaggeration.

Come on, Steaua Bucharest got just one single point in the Champions League groups. Dinamo, the champions, didnt qualify at all, and the teams in the UEFA Cups failed miserably.

Ajax is a bit back on track.

[scotchedpommes]

Come on, Steaua Bucharest got just one single point in the Champions League groups. Dinamo, the champions, didnt qualify at all, and the teams in the UEFA Cups failed miserably.
Euro 2008 > Shiny Euro Club Baubles

Now, as I rub sleep from my eyes, I see that Boro beat Arsenal?!?!

This is usually the fixture that pulls me both ways, so I'm glad I missed it.
But still. Tuncay scored again, as well as Rosický, so I should be pleased.

[ShadesPanther]

I'd say Boro are a secret bogey team of ours. Either we beat them badly or they beat us.

[scotchedpommes]

Shame they stopped being the Russian's bogey team. Mauling that unstoppable
Chelsea side tops this recent result, I'd think. Perhaps Henry is required for
Arsenal playing the 'mighty' Boro. If I recall correctly, he scored most of his
league goals against them.

[Subedei]

A little bit of guessing here: Piräus - Werder Bremen tonight: I would say [love to see] a 1:2....I am veeeeery ecxited about this game in the CL, Bremen lost their game on the week end vs. Hannover in a good match [4:3], so I hope they are back on track for this very young & gifted Greek Team. Go WERDER!!!:cheerleader: :cheerleader: :cheerleader: If they loose, I will never ever play KH...I swear!:laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

:uhoh:

Results:

Chelsea 0-0 Valencia
FC Porto 2-0 Beşiktaş
Marseille 0-4 Liverpool
Olympiacos 3-0 Werder
Real Madrid 3-1 SS Lazio
Schalke 04 3-1 Rosenborg

[Subedei]

So no KH 4 Subedei....but a new arch enemy.....:skull: Well, let's have some UEFA action...and go Schalke and Glasgow

[scotchedpommes]

Go Glasgow indeed. Those Rangers face an absolute rumping
tonight. They'll need all the support they can get.

[That said, if Caen can do it, anyone can ... right?]

Results:

Arsenal 2-1 Steaua
Barcelona 3-1 VfB Stuttgart
Fenerbahçe 3-1 CSKA Moskva
PSV 0-1 Inter
Rangers 0-3 Lyon
AS Roma 1-1 Man Utd
Slavia 0-3 Sevilla
Sporting CP 3-0 Dynamo Kiev

[naut]

Edit:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Wow, hat tricks for two players in the Wigan-Blackburn game: Santa Cruz and Bent. Not sure I've ever seen that before

[scotchedpommes]

Thoughts on MegaSuperÜberDestroyerDeciderBonanza™ Sunday© in England,
anyone?


Will Liverpool be dumped out of the title race before Christmas again?
Will Drogbaless Chelsea take top spot from the faltering Arsenal?
Will the only goal come with United nicking a late one off Wes Brown's
backside, i.e. anti-climax / disappointment of the season?


Some facts:

Liverpool haven't beaten the Mancs at home in the league since 2001. The
last time they took even a point against them at home in the league was back
in 2005.

Arsenal haven't beaten Chelsea at home in the league since 2003. The only recent
win for either side in this league fixture came in 2005. [0-2 Chelsea win.]

[Louis VI the Fat]

Will Liverpool be dumped out of the title race before Christmas again?

Liverpool is still miiiles away from challenging Man Ure, Arse and Chelsea for the title. I don't know whatever gave them the idea that they could compete with them over a full competition in the first place.

Benitez is right, Liverpool still need to invest. Unfortunately, tactical brilliance is Rafa's strength, not buying players. He's bought too many so-so's, and not enough really decisive players. It's the same mistake that Jol made with Tottenham. In the despair and frustration of both clubs to bridge the gap, both have invested in the wrong way: spending big on 'almost-worldclass' players, lots of them.

Both clubs thought that the gap they had to bridge, those one or two places on the table, was a small one. This is not the case. Footy has become solidified at the top. There are too many 'winner takes all' effects nowadays. Man U and Arsenal dominated for a decade. Chelsea could only break their dominance through the exceptional financial means of Abramowich. The top in the Premiership is near unassailable.

As it is, the gap between the last place in the Championship and fifth place in the EPL is easier to bridge than the gap between fifth and fourth place (Tottenham), or fourth and first (Liverpool).

The problem is not unique to the EPL. Almost all the big competitions are plagued nowadays by the 'Scotland syndrome'. That is, one, two or three select clubs having a stranglehold on the competition. Scotland, Portugal and the Netherlands have known this problem for ages. Nowadays, France, England and Italy suffer from the same. The sole exceptions left, somewhat, are Germany, where the top has always consisted of just one club, with a different competitor every year. And Spain, where other clubs still manage to compete with Barca and Madrid on a regular basis.

The worst case of this phenomenon is of course the Ligue 1. In the nineties, eight different clubs won the title, none winning in two consecutive years. In the 2000's, only one, Olympique Lyon. Who are well on course for their seventh title in a row.

[scotchedpommes]

The worst case of this phenomenon is of course the Ligue 1. In the nineties, eight different clubs won the title, none winning in two consecutive years. In the 2000's, only one, Olympique Lyon. Who are well on course for their seventh title in a row.
But shall they not be broken by the mighty, uh... Nancy? No it doesn't sound
convincing in the slightest, does it? Germany gave me hope last season, but
that was, as I understand it, due to a massive injection of Russian cash, via
Schalke 04 and Gazprom. Of course, they bottled it, allowing a promising squad
to take their place. But now the implosion of VfB Stuttgart's title challenge and
the inability of the others to take advantage of Bayern's off-days mean that
the Bundesliga looks dead again. Feel free to correct me on this anyone, but I
don't think Werder or HSV is going to be able to nick it.

Our own league deceived us a few seasons ago, and the inability of the team
responsible to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League and so get
the financial shot in the arm they so desperately needed means we're effectively
back to square one.

As for England, I look at the situation now, and have to ask, how did Everton
manage to break through? It's just unfortunate for them they had to face
Villarreal, of all teams. This season, bearing in mind Liverpool's weakness, I can
only hope they fall away and City take their place. However unlikely that might
be, I have to think they're the only team that may be capable, given a few more
clever buys.


Edit: Alright, it's underway. Let me just register the fact that even with what's
been written above, I would quite like a Liverpool win today [simply due to my
undying love for all things 'Man Ure', yes.] and of course a win for Arsenal.

I think we will see a draw or jammy win for rednose-led Red Sox and a draw at
the Emirates.

...

Was convinced they were going to equalise. Nice to see Shaun's looking after his
old man's team.

[scotchedpommes]

Uefa Cup Results:
FC Bayern 6-0 Aris Thessaloniki
Braga 2-0 Crvena Zvezda
FC Zürich 0-5 Bayer Neverkusen
Galatasaray 0-0 FK Austria Wien
Getafe 2-1 Anderlecht
Hapoel Tel-Aviv 1-3 Aalborg
Panionios GSS 2-3 Bordeaux
Toulouse 2-1 Spartak Moskva



Bolton advance from Group F in third place, and will face a Group winner.
Tottenham advance from Group G in second place, and will face a
Champions League Group reject. [Rangers please.]
Aberdeen will advance from Group B in third place, if they beat
Copenhagen tonight. [No chance.]



Carling Cup Semi-finals:
Chelsea - Everton
Arsenal - Tottenham

[Away team plays sesond leg at home.]

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

First legs are played on the 8th, with second legs on the 22nd. Both being
Tuesdays.

May be wrong, but I seem to have it in my head that away goals don't apply in
the Carling Cup... [?]

[Hm... no, just checked. The away goals rule does not apply in normal time during
the second leg, but it does apply after extra time. Gah.]



What a goal. Easy.

Easy.

:laugh4:

[Rhyfelwyr]

What can I say Aberdeen? 4-0? Not to mention that first goal, reminded me a little bit of Santa's first goal for Blackburn at the weekend, except from a further 10 yards out.

I told you Aberdeen would pick up the points in this fixture.:2thumbsup:

But I'm still looking forward to the Dons weekend fixture, now Celtic have gifted us a head start for the title (I love Inverness!)

Who knows, maybe we'll meet again at a later stage in Europe. I would wet myself if we drew Aberdeen in Europe.:smash:

EDIT: For everyone except rdece - I mean Rangers when I say 'we'.

[mrdun]

We'll see whose laughing at the end of the season, weve had a heavy schedule as of late. "As the Celts go Marching ON ON ON!!"

[Rhyfelwyr]

Did you enjoy the long march back from Inverness?

[InsaneApache]

Beware!

:sharky:

[scotchedpommes]

Who knows, maybe we'll meet again at a later stage in Europe. I would wet myself if we drew Aberdeen in Europe.:smash:
If I were you, I might be doing the same. Of course, this would be after the
annihilation of Bayern in the next round.

:yes:

[I remain reassuringly pessimistic about Sunday. Though I'd take 4-0 with a
Hutton own goal, thanks.]



Edit: Goal replays (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9_XYm2WcAo), which it looks like the Norwegians are enjoying already.

[DukeofSerbia]

Arsenal - Milan
Celtic - Barcelona
Lyon - Manchester United
Schalke - Porto
Liverpool - Internazionale
Roma - Real Madrid
Olympiacos - Chelsea
Fenerbahce - Sevilla
--------------------

Statistics says Arsenal will win over AC Milan. :yes:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Hurry up, UEFA! I want to know the draw for the UEFA cup. Group winners draw the numbers three, so Bordeaux can draw Bolton. I am so looking forward to that. :knight:

Edit: Nope. It's Anderlecht - Bordeaux. Good stuff, should be fun.

[scotchedpommes]

****.

'ey Louis, you have a date with Bayern.
Ah, I feel better now. ~;)

Last 32 and 16 ties:

Marseille/Spartak Moskva - Zenit/Villarreal

Slavia Praha/Tottenham - PSV/Helsingborgs

Rosenborg/Fiorentina - Brann/Everton

AEK/Getafe - Benfica/Nürnberg

Galatasaray/Leverkusen - FC Zürich/HSV

Bolton/Atlético - Sporting CP/FC Basel

Rangers/Panathinaikos - Werder/Braga

Anderlecht/Bordeaux - Aberdeen/Bayern

[InsaneApache]

LOL@Louis. :2thumbsup:

Dons v Munich eh? Should be a walk over. (For Bayern that is!) :eyebrows:

Looks like another trip to sunny Espana for us. :sweatdrop:

With so many Brits in both CL and waffa, it could be a vintage year. :clown:

[DukeofSerbia]

****.

'ey Louis, you have a date with Bayern.
Ah, I feel better now. ~;)

Anderlecht/Bordeaux - Aberdeen/Bayern
Good luck! :smash:

I don't want to talk about what Red Star did in UEFA [de facto ONE BIG nothing - only team with ZERO points in group stage].

[scotchedpommes]

Louis of course shall be busy quaking in his boots at the vaguest, slightest
possibility of a match against the famous Aberdeen. [I really was hoping
for Getafe or Bordeaux.]

As for Bayern, well, ... they got a good tanking in 1983 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdCdA6UhEJw)! [I imagine they'll
steamroll through Aberdeen and Les Girondins without breaking a sweat, yes.]

Atlético are going to give your boys a going over as well, IA. I'd just hope the
more unpleasant elements of their fanbase don't decide to get into your lot
before and after the game as they did to the 4,000 or so of the Red Army that
went over there. And that's not including the Casual plebs.


The Duke lives!

[Louis VI the Fat]

****.

'ey Louis, you have a date with Bayern.
Ah, I feel better now. ~;)

Anderlecht/Bordeaux - Aberdeen/Bayern****.

[mrdun]

Arsenal - Milan
Celtic - Barcelona
Lyon - Manchester United
Schalke - Porto
Liverpool - Internazionale
Roma - Real Madrid
Olympiacos - Chelsea
Fenerbahce - Sevilla

I wonder which team I cannot see in this... :inquisitive:

[scotchedpommes]

I wonder which team I cannot see in this... :inquisitive:
Ajax, doubtless.

[edyzmedieval]

Don't remind me. We have been a disaster all year long. I hope next year we can start afresh.

[DukeofSerbia]

New victory for Arsenal! :balloon2: I could watch it live in our TV [finally our s**ty league has winter pause] but I was too sleepy. :smash:

[scotchedpommes]

Don't remind me. We have been a disaster all year long. I hope next year we can start afresh.
Sorry, edyz. Was passively attempting to disrupt needless Hun-bashing.
For that begins tomorrow. :smash:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Sorry, edyz. Was passively attempting to disrupt needless Hun-bashing.
For that begins tomorrow. :smash:

Yeah, one Hun against a Don and a Tim is just not fair.:no:

And my local team are not giving me much joy either.:wall:

I fancy an all Scottish final for the UEFA Cup.:2thumbsup:

And as for the Arsenal tie against AC, having watched AC lose 2-1 to Inter today, Arsenal are my firm favourities for that match. What was Dida thinking with that second goal?:dizzy2:

EDIT: Aberdeen 1-1 Rangers. We'll just have to settle it in Europe then...

[scotchedpommes]

1-1 against a Rangers side down to ten for the best part of an hour is
simply not acceptable. Especially if you have to endure those bloody
hooters for 90 minutes.

[mrdun]

Makes me laugh when Capello says hees not going to have foreign keepers :laugh4: like cudicini!!

[scotchedpommes]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!!!

Get in there soooon!!!!! West Ham 2-1 Man U. After Ronaldo misses a penalty.

Please. Final whistle now.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm forever blowing bubbles...

Back on top, after a resounding away victory over an on-form Everton, and a favour from the Hammers. Yeeees!

[scotchedpommes]

Shortly after posting last night I heard this tragic news. I thought it might be
overlooked, and deserved at least a mention here. During their impressive 5-3
win over Dundee United, Motherwell's captain, Phil O'Donnell collapsed. Despite
some emergency treatment on the pitch it was later confirmed that he had died.
https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/44326506_203i.jpg
Motherwell had certainly been enjoying their best season in recent years, and
were well on course to finish third. Now it all just seems pointless.

BBC link (http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/7164150.stm).

[Rhyfelwyr]

That is a real tragedy. Just when Motherwell were having such a perfect season, and right after such an incredible game.

I think I remember reading he had a wife and four children as-well, at this time of the year it is all the more tragic.

Did something similar not happen in the Serie A recently with a referee? I hope these tragedies do not become more common as the game gets more physically demanding.

I'm pretty shocked by the news and dont' know what to say - I'm sure at least he will be remembered as a rolemodel player and a hero at Motherwell, as well as by the Accies and Celtic.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Real shocking! it reminds me that Benfica's Hungarian striker Miklos Féher, who died in the pitch, right after a smile to the referee, who had previously show him a yellow card...

[scotchedpommes]

Yes, I had been going to say, there have been Fehér, Foé, more recently
Puerta, as well. Can't say I'd heard of anything happening to a referee, though.
Fehér, Foé, and Puerta all suffered some form of heart failure, to my knowledge.
But it seems this time it might have been some kind of seizure.

[Rhyfelwyr]

A brain seizure apparently.

[naut]

Edit:

[DukeofSerbia]

Happy New Gregorian Year to Arsenal FC fans! :balloon2: To won Premiership, play at least FA Cup semifinal, and CL final. :2thumbsup:

And happy New Year to FK Red Star Belgrade, Aberdeen, AS Monako, Olympiakos and FC Juventus fans, too. :smash:

[naut]

Edit:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Did anyone see 'Only an Excuse' last night?

I like the take on the Cadbury's advert, and also Chick Young's un-edited interview with the SFA.:laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

It's only shown up here, isn't it? Caught some bits.

Chick is usually the most amusing these days, yes. You'd think he'd actually do
something to at least attempt to maintain a more convincing air of neutrality
after getting slaughtered on it over the years.

Edit: Post-mortem has shown that O'Donnell died as a result of heart failure
as well.

Edit2: Kaunas are going down.

[DukeofSerbia]

Exclusive Pictures: Beckham trains with Club (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=485997&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Exclusive+Pictures:+Beckham+trains+with+Club)

Former England captain David Beckham has joined up with the Arsenal sqaud as part of his pre-season training regime. The 32-year-old, who currently plays for LA Galaxy, is with the Club in preparation for the start of the domestic season in the United States.

http://www.arsenal.com/images/b/beckham_train2.jpg
:smash:

[mrdun]

A brain seizure apparently.

Are they not saying it was something to do with his heart now. or was it heart first then changed to brain ?

edit:
Post-mortem has shown that O'Donnell died as a result of heart failure
as well.


Geez something went drastically wrong there then. Sad days. Premature deaths are never nice. Also add whoever the person is.

[InsaneApache]

Youri=God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djIOf5tI-2g&feature=related

:yes:

[InsaneApache]

Fat Sam gets the bullet at the barcode army.


Newcastle have ended Sam Allardyce's managerial reign after eight months.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/7179847.stm

Couldn't have happened to a nicer fella. Wants to spend more time with his family indeed. Well you can now walrus chops.

:The end:

:beam:

[LittleGrizzly]

I don't understand the Allardyce sacking don't clubs realise managers need time, im sure sam given a year or two could have taken them back to the dizzying hieghts of the sir bobby days..... 5th

[mrdun]

I second that of course managers need to know how their new team works without being sacked first. Logic wins again

[scotchedpommes]

No sympathy for the fat man. I hope he stays in the Championship or below. Of
course that's once he's burnt off his ridiculously large pay-off. Poor Sam.

Funny thing is, apart from the other bent one who now seems to be favourite to
take over, there is one man who the Geordies seem to want. Yes, they want him
back. And I would quite like to see him, too.

Sole reason (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW8p8xppxwA) - Genuine feeling, and comedy value, rolled into one. You know he
wants the job again. If he says he doesn't he's lying.

Edit: Worth noting how skilfully he completely evades the mince pouring out
of Andy Gray's face, if nothing else.

[mrdun]

Very harsh, rdece.jabolko.

So, Mclaren/Big Sam were the two main contenders for the England Job, now they are both out of work, says a lot about English Managers/ English Football.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Anelka to Chelsea. I can see this one either working really well, or being a complete disaster. The thing is, we all know what Anelka's like, and now he's at a big club again, what incentive does he have to play well? If Chelsea are clever, they'll have given him a relatively small salary, but a big goal bonus.

[LittleGrizzly]

No he can't go to chelsea!

They're only allowed that dodgy Ukranian guy during the African cup, plus im sure Man U could use him.

[scotchedpommes]

Let's hope he's still fit to put a couple away against the Mancs when they go to
Stamford Bridge. I would think Le Sulk 2.0 - Bulgarian Variant will be off to the Red
Sox anyway.

[LittleGrizzly]

I would think Le Sulk 2.0 - Bulgarian Variant will be off to the Red Sox anyway.

1 of the 2 would be nice, preferably Berbatov.

[edyzmedieval]

Manchester United are reportedly tabling a bid for Klaas Jan Huntelaar, in the region of about 12 million pounds. If they do buy him, especially for that money (if it's more then yeah, I understand) that's a real bargain and I'll stop supporting Ajax.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/rumors/post/Manchester-United-will-pay-big-money-for-Huntela;_ylt=Av0G5Lhrx_i4ojZCzAFNhOMmw7YF?urn=sow,61230

[scotchedpommes]

About time, edyz. ~;)
[And Berbatov is the only Bulgarian Sulk I was aware of.]

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

So, Pato's finally making his debut for Milan tonight? can he possibly live up to the hype?

Here's a video; bear in mind he was I think 16 in the bit where he turns Puyol inside out.

Clicky. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mUaIR3esFw)

[Dutch_guy]

Manchester United are reportedly tabling a bid for Klaas Jan Huntelaar, in the region of about 12 million pounds. If they do buy him, especially for that money (if it's more then yeah, I understand) that's a real bargain and I'll stop supporting Ajax.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/rumors/post/Manchester-United-will-pay-big-money-for-Huntela;_ylt=Av0G5Lhrx_i4ojZCzAFNhOMmw7YF?urn=sow,61230

Don't worry, Ajax won't be letting him go if they know what's good for them. 12 million pounds, that's about 17 million euro's right ? I'd say United will have to pay a bit more for him, even in a period where Huntelaar isn't performing to the best of his abilities.

And Edyz, we all know you'd keep on supporting Ajax even without Huntelaar - nice try though :2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

[scotchedpommes]

Anybody see Bolton - Blackburn today? Unsurprisingly poor derby, it was. Then
right before half time a nothing ball comes in towards Kevin Nolan and he just has
an "'ave it" kind of swing at it. [Technical term, that.] Goal of the season contender,
if only because the flight of the ball is a thing of beauty. It was never meant to
be in that terrible match.

Video when I have it. [Youtube link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65x-Fxc2qdw)]

[Would've said the VVV goal against Ajax (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9I7cgy6jYY) was goal of the season, but if it only
gets through to edyz or Dutch_guy, maybe it isn't worth it.] ~;p

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

You can see the Blackburn-Bolton highlights (and, indeed, the highlights for all of the other games in the league) here. (http://www.football.virginmedia.com/page/blackburnvideo/)

[Dutch_guy]

[Would've said the VVV goal against Ajax (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9I7cgy6jYY) was goal of the season, but if it only
gets through to edyz or Dutch_guy, maybe it isn't worth it.] ~;p

I actually don't mind seeing that one, as it's a pretty good goal. Did cost us 2 points though. I would have liked to see that goal in a game where it wouldn't have mattered as much. Like in last match. 6-1, or 6-2, practically the same :2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

[InsaneApache]

Nolans goal (http://www.goalvideoz.com/watch/1941-bolton-vs-blackburn-nolan-fantastic-shot/)

[edyzmedieval]

Did I forget to mention that my RSS feed just told me that Ajax beat AZ 6-1? ~D

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Romanian U21 international Lazlo Sepsi move to Benfica. Is he a promissing player edyzmedieval?

[edyzmedieval]

Woooaaahhh...That's news. Yeah, he really is, trust me. He's young, and he's got lots of talent, and in a few years, if he works hard and has some good luck, he will be your starter.

[InsaneApache]

Well, I did a little wee before I stopped laughing.

Saint Kevin goes back to the future with the Geordies. I did a little digging and came up with the musings of this intellectual giant.

May I present...


They compare Steve McManaman to Steve Heighway and he's nothing like him, but I can see why - it's because he's a bit different."

"Despite his white boots, he has real pace... "

"You can't do better than go away from home and get a draw... "

"He can't speak Turkey, but you can tell he's delighted. "

"There'll be no siestas in Madrid tonight. "

"...using his strength. And that is his strength, his strength. "

"Gary always weighed up his options, especially when he had no choice. "

"I'm not disappointed - just disappointed. "

"The tide is very much in our court now. "

"Chile have three options - they could win or they could lose. "

"That would have been a goal if it wasn't saved. "

"I came to Nantes two years ago and it's much the same today, except that it's totally different. "

"A tremendous strike which hit the defender full on the arm - and it nearly came off. "

"The good news for Nigeria is that they're two-nil down very early in the game."

"The substitute is about to come on - he's a player who was left out of the starting line-up today. "

"That decision, for me, was almost certainly definitely wrong. "

"I know what is around the corner - I just don't know where the corner is. But the onus is on us to perform and we must control the bandwagon. "

"Hungary is very similar to Bulgaria. I know they're different countries... "

"In some ways, cramp is worse than having a broken leg. "

"The 33 or 34-year-olds will be 36 or 37 by the time the next World Cup comes around, if they're not careful. "

"England have the best fans in the world and Scotland's fans are second-to-none. "

"It's understandable that people are keeping one eye on the pot and another up the chimney. "

"I'd love to be a mole on the wall in the Liverpool dressing room at half-time. "

"It could be far worse for me if it was easy for me. "

"Discipline is not only very important, it's crucial. "

"Young Gareth Barry - he's young. "

"Argentina won't be at Euro 2000 because they're from South America. "

"They're the second best team in the world, and there's no higher praise than that."

"You don't get two chances at this level, or at any other level for that matter."

"You're not just getting international football, you're getting world football."

"Kanu, a guy with a heart as big as he is."

"Luis Figo is totally different to David Beckham, and vice versa."


"Football's always easier when you've got the ball."


"They don't come every three days, like they come after this one."

"I want more from David Beckham. I want him to improve on perfection."

"The tide is very much in our court now."

"There's a slight doubt about only one player, and that's Tony Adams, who definitely won't be playing tomorrow."

"We have spent three matches chasing a football."

"It's no longer an 11 man game."

"The Germans only have one player under 22, and he's 23."

"For some it's the ultimate job, for the others it's the last job."

"I've had an interest in racing all my life, or longer really."

"We managed to wrong a few rights."

"We are three games without defeat is another way of looking at it. But if we are honest we have taken two points from nine."

"He'll also be very dangerous from set-pieces. That means he'll be a threat from free-kicks and corners in the final third of the field."

"Danny Tiatto is not going to make a mistake on purpose."

"I'll never play at Wembley again, unless I play at Wembley again."

"You need 88 points for the title and we've got 61 at present with 16 games to go, but if you set targets you limit yourself."

"We deserved to win this game after hammering them 0-0 in the first half."

"He's got a heart as big as his size, which isn't big, but his heart's bigger than that'

"Well, if that's true then it would be a big surprise, but then nothing surprises me in football these days."

"You get bunches of players like you do bananas, though that is a bad comparison."

"Not many teams will come to Arsenal and get anything, home or away."

"Nicolas Anelka left Arsenal for £23million and they built a training ground on him."

"As far as I'm concerned, Danny Tiatto doesn't exist."

"One team with destiny already decided..."

"Maine Road was a great football stadium but as time moved on it stayed where it is...."

~:joker:

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

ROFL
some of them i can kind of see what he was thinking but a few of them must have required drugs or intense unconcentration

Berbatov is the only Bulgarian Sulk I was aware of

1 out of the 2 meant either Berbatov or Anelka who i was referring to post before that one

[InsaneApache]

I think Keggin Keegles' first signing should be this guy....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaWA1vKmSNQ

:laugh4:

[edyzmedieval]

Ajax successfully lost with 4-2 in front of NAC Breda in the Dutch Cup. Absolutely wonderful. :shame:

[scotchedpommes]

The Scottish FA seems to have ditched the ridiculous idea of playing a friendly
against Argentina and instead gone for Croatia (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7199882.stm). Must say I am quite pleased
at the prospect, and looking forward to it - so they'll probably thrash us.

[Should mention that the Russians who organise Argentina's friendlies were
reportedly wanting a fee of £1 million from the SFA for the game.]

[scotchedpommes]

Spurs are 2-0 up against Arsenal. Should be 3. I knew tonight would be their
night, particularly after that hopelessly pathetic display in the first leg.

Well, a first win of the century for them over the Arsenal. I'm not sure Arsenal
deserve anything more when they play their reserves. Say what you want, and
I imagine a number of you would come up with a variety of reasons why it's a
positive policy to have for an apparently devalued competition, but I didn't agree
with it last year, and I don't agree with it now.

5-1 result.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Are all of those King Kev Kwotations real? I was falling off my seat at some of them.:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:

Time to edit my sig...

Oh and George Burley for Scotland. Not sure about that decision, he has been in the Championship for a while now.:juggle2:

[scotchedpommes]

And would you have taken Souness over him? McGhee wasn't about to leave
Motherwell.

[Subedei]

:dancing::birthday2: :applause: ~:cheers: :jumping: :dancing:

The Bundesliga will start again today! Oh what happy day! Werder Bremen is 2nd and I look forward to a very thrilling season. They will play Bayern next WE....:2thumbsup: :sweatdrop: :2thumbsup:

Werder bought Mesut Özil, a very promising , yet a bit greedy, talent. He will add up to Diego, the magician, Sanogo, who is at the Africa Cup right now, Almeida striking from the distance, Tim Wiese, his weired Coolenss, Frings the unlucky, Mertesacker & Naldo, the Backbone, Harnik & Klasnic, whom I am very excited about, and the magnificent rest of the green whites! Hurra 4 Werder in 2008....

Plus: Keep an eye on Leverkusen.....very talented team this season.:smash:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Anyone see Christiano Ronaldo's free-kick. Its pretty special, although I still say Roberto Carlo's stands as No.1 of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8efYl5CaNhQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceFtwgSe3PM

[edyzmedieval]

Lovely. Ajax lost to PSV this week, 2-0. 8 point margin, goodbye championship for this year. We need a new coach desperately, a guy who can do the job well.

[scotchedpommes]

Actually quite interested in seeing how the Bundesliga pans out this year;
hopefully Bayern don't regroup well after the break. The domestic and
national situation here is simply becoming depressing. I think the appointment
of that useless prat, and undisputed master of failure [aka Terry Butcher] as
assistant national coach just about put the icing on the cake.

The freekick was quite spectacular, yes, but I think it's about time the boy got
himself out of the game for a bit, to give everybody else a rest, if not from his
playing/diving, then his ridiculous new haircut.

In terms of the brilliance of certain freekicks, Juninho consistently pulls out
absolutely amazing belters. He probably has one or two that top that.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

The freekick was quite spectacular, yes, but I think it's about time the boy got himself out of the game for a bit, to give everybody else a rest, if not from his playing/diving, then his ridiculous new haircut.

~:eek:

... I agree with you, Cristiano Ronaldo is too good for the English championship and has to let the other rest ... but do not worry because Real Madrid and Barcelona want it eagerly and Cristiano knows this ... but I doubt that the United accepted sell it unless it is Ronaldo to want to leave.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Adebayor, Adebayor...give him the ball and he will score...

Another brace for Emmanuel at Eastlands today. It's a bloody good job Togo didn't qualify for the ACN, or we'd be in trouble now.

[scotchedpommes]

Indeed. I missed the game but ended up listening to the end of the Spurs - Man
U game with my brother. [Who just happens to be a Spurs fan.] Unfortunately I
can see that point being crucial at the end of all this.

How long is van Persie out for?

[naut]

Edit:

[ShadesPanther]

Van Persie is back in trainning. But, he won't be playing for a while as they rushed him back last time and he got injured after he pulled a muscle.

[Dutch_guy]

Well, what a day it was. Completely owned Feyenoord today, 3-0 where it should have been 6-0. :beam:

:balloon2:

[Subedei]

Werder - Bochum/ref 1:2 :shame:

[scotchedpommes]

Ugh, the next round's going to be important. 3rd vs 4th [Neverkusen - HSV] and
1st vs 2nd [Bayern - Werder] You're going to have to beat them over there just
to stay in touch. Is it possible? And I suppose if not, who would you prefer to
see dropping out of the race, Leverkusen or HSV?

[Subedei]

Ugh, the next round's going to be important. 3rd vs 4th [Neverkusen - HSV] and
1st vs 2nd [Bayern - Werder] You're going to have to beat them over there just
to stay in touch. Is it possible? And I suppose if not, who would you prefer to
see dropping out of the race, Leverkusen or HSV?

Oh it sure is possible to beat Bayern. Especially for Bremen. It will be a very important game. Bad thing is: Almeida & Sanogo will not play....Red card and Africa Cup are to blame, but well. Fringgs is missing too. Oh we had bad luck this season with injuries...ohohoh. But we beat Real with our B-equipe..so everything is possible.

The season is young and it will be very interesting. See, Bayern has a very good team and they are alright as personalities you know. I like Ribery's style to play a lot. So, may the bettero ne win! Go WERDER Go WERDER!!!!!!!

We will see a very intense soccer season here I would say. Leverkusen are getting better and better.

[scotchedpommes]

Premier League to become Major World Super Mega™ Soccer League© (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7232378.stm)[?]

On Thursday, the 20 Premier League clubs agreed to look into the possibility of playing an extra round of matches every season - abroad.
Give them Bolton - Blackburn, and nothing else, I would add.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Ah, okay. So the English Premier League: non-English players, playing for non-English owned clubs, playing their games for non-English fans.

Is it me or was football more fun and authentic before about 1995?

[edyzmedieval]

Well, what a day it was. Completely owned Feyenoord today, 3-0 where it should have been 6-0. :beam:

:balloon2:

Ah yes, the sheer quality of HUntelaar and some superb passes made my day. W00t w00t, let's do it again please. I want at least something to cheer about! :egypt:

[Subedei]

Very exciting day for Werder & Bayern fans...it is judgement day 2day....Crossing my fingers 4 Werder!!!

[Decker]

Can anyone tell how Freddy Adu is looking with Benfica?

[scotchedpommes]

Like he's warming benches. Should be back in the US before too long.

[Decker]

Like he's warming benches. Should be back in the US before too long.
Really?? I heard on the tv that he's gotten some playing time and has scored a goal already... does he play well when he goes in?

[scotchedpommes]

Yes, it would appear he's scored several. All I've heard has been relatively
negative; mostly that he hasn't had much of a role in the first team. KOP
will know more, undoubtedly.


[And of course, well done to Citeh today (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7223971.stm).] :2thumbsup: No sloppyness tomorrow
night, ta.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Well Decker, i think rdeče is right about Freddy Adu situation at Benfica. He came to Benfica to replace the clubs biggest star - Simão who went to Atletico Madrid. So far he played 9 matches but none as a starting eleven player. In fact, he always enter to play the last 15-20 min of each match. He scored 2 goals so far. Benfica's coach José António Camacho does not seem quite believe on his skills.
In my point of view he's young and a good winger but needs to play much more in order to adapt to the team and colleagues.
Let's see what happens in the coming months.

[Decker]

Huh... thanks for the updates guys.

It is expected for him to start on the bench. Look at Donovan when he went to Germany. If Freddy keeps his head about him (unlike how he did in MLS) he may work into better playing time or get a better chance with another team. The good thing is is that it's better competition and he'll hopefully improve. I'm guessing he hardly plays even against the weaker teams?

[Afonso I of Portugal]

I'm guessing he hardly plays even against the weaker teams?

True. He's always warming the bench...

[InsaneApache]

Yes well done Citeh. :laugh4: Ol' red nose makes his usual excuses when Man Yoo get thrashed. :yes:

On another note, I'm putting a fiver on the barcodes to get relegated. It's stitched on I tell ya!.

Here's their run in.....

Newcastle v Man Utd,

Newcastle v Blackburn,

Liverpool v Newcastle,

Birmingham v Newcastle, 20:00

Newcastle v Fulham, 15:00

Tottenham v Newcastle, 15:00

Newcastle v Reading, 15:00

Portsmouth v Newcastle, 15:00

Newcastle v Sunderland, 15:00

West Ham v Newcastle, 15:00

Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

Everton v Newcastle, 15:00

I see mebbe 5 points out of that lot for Keggin Keegles humbug army. :smash:

[Decker]

True. He's always warming the bench...
Like they say, "Right Bench Left Out"

[scotchedpommes]

On another note, I'm putting a fiver on the barcodes to get relegated. It's stitched on I tell ya!.
Hm. I could almost agree. But you know, I think Fulham are gone. I think
Reading are sinking fast, but somehow I just get the feeling that Brum will
take their place. They've played well on isolated occasions, but they just
fail to get the results, while I think Reading will turn it round before it gets
too desperate. Newcastle aren't going down.

And yes, I know they might've said that about Blackburn. [Even if you didn't.]

[naut]

Edit:

[LittleGrizzly]

I'm looking forward to when the Scouse fail to get fourth place and Biker Beard Benitez gets his marching orders.

will be a sweet day!

I don't see birmingham going down they seem to have improved recently, newcastle are probably to good to go down.

Fulham and im thinking wigan or reading for the last relegation place

[scotchedpommes]

On Thursday there will be a repeat of an historic fixture - and at quite probably
the worst time Aberdeen could possibly play Bayern. On the back of a 1-5
thrashing by Celtic, with all half decent players either injured or having been sold
off, the remnants of the squad are now defending like shoolboys, waiting to be
relegated...

So, anyone going to put money on a repeat of the original scoreline?
https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/e4nq84g42b0320a4m16.jpg
Aberdeen 3-2 Bayern (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7239716.stm)

[I would think it's worth having a punt on Bayern to break Uefa Cup scoring
records for a single match.]

[InsaneApache]

So, anyone going to put money on a repeat of the original scoreline?

err......no! :laugh4:

[Subedei]

On Thursday there will be a repeat of an historic fixture - and at quite probably
the worst time Aberdeen could possibly play Bayern. On the back of a 1-5
thrashing by Celtic, with all half decent players either injured or having been sold
off, the remnants of the squad are now defending like shoolboys, waiting to be
relegated...



Oh, everybody in the Bundesliga knows, Bayern is having a veeeeeery hard time playing against so called "weak" teams! Best of luck to Aberdeen.

Werder played Braga yesterday...ecxellent 1st half....2 goals 4 Werder and Wiese, the goalie, neutralized 2 penaltie kicks.....GO TIM!

3rd goal in the 93. min., penalty kick by Almeihda.:smash:

[scotchedpommes]

2-2. Superb battling performance, and great goals for Aberdeen.

[InsaneApache]

Excellent result for the Dons. The Spuds did ok away from home and well, well, well, Diouffy spat a great goal at Reekbok towers. :2thumbsup:

Good results for the English teams. :laugh4:

Winding up rdeče. to watch him go. :clown:

[scotchedpommes]

Gah. Well done your lot. You realise though that if you don't finish them off it will
count as an embarrassing failure - especially considering the fact that possibly
their best talent on the pitch [albeit one of many] did you a favour by doing a
Diouf and getting himself suspended for the return leg.

Thought you'd get a positive result, maybe not a win though, as Atlético tend to
see their promising seasons implode after they get beaten by Real. An away goal
and a solid defensive performance, and it's going to be very hard for Atlético...
hopefully.

Despite Everton being overhyped, I still think HSV or Werder still might win the
whole thing. Bayern, no. If we can cut them open a couple of times, and only
fail to win thanks to a harsh penalty and a rebound, a decent team can put
them away.

Edit: Incredibly disappointing today. Other than the insipid showing in
general, I don't see the reasoning behind the late substitutions; too
late to have any bearing on the result, so why bring them on at all,
especially considering their supposed injuries? I cannot abide prioritising
a European tie against a weakened AC Milan over any game against that
lot.

[InsaneApache]

I'm looking forward to when the Scouse fail to get fourth place and Biker Beard Benitez gets his marching orders.

The fat Spanish waiter and his bindippers get knocked out of the cup. As a Mancunian, man and boy, this is good news to my ears. :2thumbsup: :laugh4:

.....and it was Tykes that done the deed, another feather in the cap of my adoptive county. Ey - yup lads! :yes:

Then I read this....

Salford Red Sox 4 Woolwich Arsenel 0 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7224064.stm)

Blimey, that's ruined my day. :sweatdrop:

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

No comment.

Edit: Watched 30 minutes, and they used long balls to bypass the midfield, and the boggy pitch prevented passing. We should have been prepared for their dirty tricks.

Aye the filthy swine playing football like a third division side, that flummoxed Arsein Venger. That's if he saw it, the myopic one. :laugh4:

[LittleGrizzly]

Liverpool lose to barnsley and then Man U beat Arsenal 4-0, life is sweet :)

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I think yesterday's game illustrated just how important Clichy and Sagna are to the way the side plays at the moment. Without them we had no real width, and Nani skinned Hoyte so many times it just wasn't funny. Both him and Traore should be sold, neither of them are good enough.

[scotchedpommes]

Nani skinned Hoyte so many times it just wasn't funny. Both him and Traore should be sold, neither of them are good enough.
Spot on. I chose to endure the 90 minutes, almost hoping for the fifth in the
end, if only it would nail home how shocking they were. Cut open so many times.

...

[InsaneApache]

Blimey, Sporting Lisboa here we come! :2thumbsup:

Look like the Spanish coppers were true to form again. :thumbsdown: Didn't they do exactly the same to the Dons fans, only to be found out when two of the miscreants they battered were plain clothes bobbies? A blinkin' disgrace, they're just hooligans in uniform. :shame:

Anyroad here's the last 16...

Uefa Cup last 16 draw:

Anderlecht v Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen v Hamburg
Bolton v Sporting
Fiorentina v Everton
Getafe v Benfica
Marseille v Zenit St Petersburg
Rangers v Werder Bremen
Tottenham v PSV

The Spuds made heavy weather of it in Prague, still all the English teams are through......oh, and the Huns. :beam:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Gah! Bordeaux is out. One goal short on average against Anderlecht. Mayhem, madness, ten yellow and two red cards in one game - always fun battling it out with the Belgians. :laugh4:

On the upside...only one point left of L'OL's lead in the the Ligue. We're hot on their heals. :knight:

The Uefa Cup looks like a nice rosbif with sauerkraut dish. My tip though - watch out for Marseille. Ever since Gerets took over they've been unstoppable!

The Champions League is evolving in a Spanish v English clash again. Speaking of which, maybe the police in South Europe should learn that simply going ballistic on them every time is not the intelligent way of dealing with English fans.

[Ianofsmeg16]

Spurs for the UEFA Cup!! :laugh4: :laugh4:

God we nearly wasted that last night...at home aswell, i was nearly crying...get this...we were saved...by Paul Robinson.

There's something i thought i'd never say again..

Who'll be watching the Carling final? I'll try, but my hands will be in my face the whole time...

I just wish Chelsea werent in it, they're good, and they win things...but my god do they play boring football. at least if Liverpool or Arsenal lose, they do it Spectacularly

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Let's go Sporting!!!

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Eduardo: Broken shin, [tibia] fibula, and ankle. Will be lucky if it's only a season
out. Huge loss for his club and his country; just hope he recovers. Haven't seen
any pictures yet, and don't believe I will want to, going by some reports.

As far as the Uefa Cup is concerned, I just want to give a little sympathetic nod
to our German friends, who've been facing some tough footballing trials of late.
Yes, 1. FC Nürnberg managed a spectacular collapse (http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/fixturesresults/round=15120/match=301939/report=rp.html) against SL Benfica, conceding
two incredibly late goals to throw away their lead, and indeed throw themselves
out of European competition. Nae luck, boys.

As for the Huns, only the word 'jammy' can be used to describe their
performance and subsequent progression. The Greeks scored a wonderful
goal, and the late, scummy equaliser couldn't have been more different.
Unfortunately they all count, but the Huns will be destroyed, yes destroyed,
by Werder.

[InsaneApache]

Unfortunately they all count, but the Huns will be destroyed, yes destroyed,
by Werder.

You almost sound bitter. :wink:

NUFC get tanked (again) and Keggin looks desperate. At this rate my fiver's looking safe. :thumbsup:

[Fragony]

Eduardo: Broken shin, [tibia] fibula, and ankle. Will be lucky if it's only a season
out. Huge loss for his club and his country; just hope he recovers. Haven't seen
any pictures yet, and don't believe I will want to, going by some reports.


Not sure if you really want to see this, but here goes, his dancing days are over

http://www.nieuwnieuws.nl/archives/video/2008/02/zeer_zware_blessure_eduardo_da.html

[Ianofsmeg16]

COME ON YOU SPURS!!!!

We completely outplayed Chelsea until about 20 minutes until the end of extra time when they threw everything at us....i nearly had a heart attack when woodgate almost gave away that penalty (which, in all honesty, shouldve been given)...

Its a shame about Eduardo though, he is (or was??) truly an awesome player..its a blow to the Premiership and Croatia that he's so badly injured

[InsaneApache]

Indeed. Congrats Spurs. :yes:

[ShadesPanther]

NUFC get tanked (again) and Keggin looks desperate. At this rate my fiver's looking safe. :thumbsup:

Well it is only 6 points away.

to think when big sam got sacked they were 9th and not that far off top place.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Fifa must stop this kind of butcher hammer players! They are killing the game!

Skilled players must be protected!!!

[InsaneApache]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQO5QgeVibg

Quality. :beam:

[LittleGrizzly]

Fifa must stop this kind of butcher hammer players! They are killing the game!

In fairness to Taylor he isn't this kind of player, its only his second professional sending off and i think he's only had like 7 yellow cards in a fairly long career, he was just to slow to tackle him.

[edyzmedieval]

Oh yes, Van Bommel is t3h b0mb! :beam:
Hitzfeld's face and movement was priceless. :laugh4:

[naut]

Kudos to the Birmingham stewards. :bow:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQO5QgeVibg

Quality. :beam:

Van Bommel is a very good player but somehow malicious! there are dozens of videos showing him provoking opponents and even the referee...:no:

[Subedei]

Watch out Rangers! Diego of Werder was given a red card on Saturday...so 3 games out in the bundesliga...he will be very motivated to play well in the UEFA Cup.

Man, he was fouled about 120 times this season. Most fouled player of the league. No wonder he freaked out a bit after being fouled again, not complainig, but lying on the ground...and then the freaking Frankfurt player said to him "Fu** you and get up!".

Go Diego! Go Diego!

BTW: nothing against the Rangers...but a cup is a cup!

[scotchedpommes]

BTW: nothing against the Rangers...
:sweatdrop:

Wasn't it "Stand up, I **** you."? Either way, words of a cultured player, and
unsurprisingly, former Rangers defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos. [As far as I'm aware,
Mario Gomez came out with the best lines of the round, though.]

[Subedei]

:sweatdrop:

Wasn't it "Stand up, I **** you."? Either way, words of a cultured player, and
unsurprisingly, former Rangers defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos. [As far as I'm aware,
Mario Gomez came out with the best lines of the round, though.]

Yes, it was a very amusing weekend for German soccer. Gomez said "******!" to a defender from KSC in an interview...BIG nono in the league.

Oh, right, Kyrgiakos was his name. Well, this may spice up things against Ragners a bit more. NOW I have somthing against him....U do not say things like that 2 Diego..... Anyways...seems like diego ***** him afterwards...then the ref ***** Diego....that is the way live is.....stars everywhere:laugh4:


(Please use only the stars if you have to swear - Beirut)

[The Wandering Scholar]

Fifa must stop this kind of butcher hammer players! They are killing the game!

Skilled players must be protected!!!

As far as I could see Eduardo's was already off balance, therefore only the slightest touch from Taylor was needed to snap his ankle. You cannot in any way, shape or form blame Taylor for the break. Those kind of challenges happen every week, slightly late and just clipping their ankle. If it was malicious then Taylors foot would have been higher than it was.

[naut]

Edit:

[The Wandering Scholar]

A bad tacke is a bad tackle, well done you. Although in this case my point is that the challenge from Taylor was no worse than thousands of challenges throughout the season.

[ShadesPanther]

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v139/pantherv/2nlsh1w.jpg

His studs are half way up Eduardo's leg

[scotchedpommes]

Saved. Saved by Bendtner.

[The Wandering Scholar]

OK, I have just done a quick search for the tackle by Taylor on Eduardo, the first one was this:

https://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg38/DungerT/tEC.jpg

You have clearly just searched and searched to prove me wrong.

[edyzmedieval]

Can anyone find for the video "Destination Football" made by Ford, and always played before the Champions League matches?

The song is Dario G - Carnival de Paris, but I want the Ford commercial!

[naut]

Edit:

[naut]

Edit:

[Subedei]

AC Milan 0 - 2 Arsenal.

.

Best news this morning, as I think they should not win in 2 consecutive years...plus they belong to Berlusconi and the thing I would have liked to see is his face after the game.

So the CL becomes more and more of an English-Iberian thing with every round....

Looking forward to the Schalke game tonight....

[edyzmedieval]

England and Spain are the most powerful championships in the entire world. The best teams only come from these 2 championships.

[scotchedpommes]

Best news this morning, as I think they should not win in 2 consecutive years...plus they belong to Berlusconi and the thing I would have liked to see is his face after the game.
Of course it's brilliant, though I would rather see Arsenal focus everything on the
league... dominating AC Milan like that was nothing short of superb. As for good
old Berly, they showed him at the final whistle, high in the stands; ensconced in
overly expensive coat and scarf, face like thunder.

Schalke are imploding at the moment, and I can't see them coming out of
Portugal with a place in the draw, even though they lead now without any
away goals against them.

As LEN doesn't bother gracing us with posts anymore I almost feel obliged to
say well done to Fenerbahçe for reaching the quarters for the first time, but I'll
just say well done to Volkan. A goalkeeper I remember for his shocking mistake
against Schalke (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yykHEk7ep58) in the Champions League some years ago, he had a couple of
moments [gifted goals] to forget in last night's match against Sevilla - yet he
redeemed himself in the best way possible, saving three penalties in the
shootout.

Tonight's matches:
Chelsea - Olympiacos (0-0)
FC Porto - Schalke 04 (0-1)
Real Madrid - AS Roma (1-2)

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Hilarious mistake i would say...:laugh4:

[Subedei]

Schalke is having a very hard time these days, that is true.

Slomka, the coach is under a lot of attack by the club & the media. I hate this kind of "Loose-3-matches-in-a-row-&-fire-the-coach-which-will-solve-all-problems"- attitude in the Bundesliga and I guess other leagues.

Schalke is not my team, but tonight I keep my fingers crossed and my beer cold for them and Slomka, b/c I think he is a good coach.

[The Wandering Scholar]

I think Arsenal got a stroke of luck, two goals in the last 6 minutes (or 7?). They will not win the league this year (or I will be very suprised if they do). Far too many get out of jail goals.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Woo got tickets for the RFC v Werder game tomorrow.:2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Gonna get pumped, Rhy. ~;)

[As far as tonight's games are concerned; Real showing us all how not to defend,
Olympiacos' fans showed up but their players didn't, Schalke extremely unlucky
not to hold on, a man up and in extra time now. If it goes to penalties Schalke
should make it - seems their goalkeeper Neuer has been playing the game of his
life.]

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

From what little I've seen I'd have to agree (about Neuer). Good result for AS Roma, but the important game is tonight, Fiorentina vs Everton. COYB! nah should be a good game between teams destined for the Champion's league (............eventually).

[naut]

Edit:

[Subedei]

Woo got tickets for the RFC v Werder game tomorrow.:2thumbsup:

Wow, lucky you...They don't show it on TV here in Germany; only god knows why....:shame: I try to find a way to watch it online....So both of us hope for a good game I guess and a win for his team...the point where we might differ.....

Neuer was making a very good game. He is only 21, so hopefully not the one of his live....Winners of the match are Slomka and NEuer. The rest of the team kinda not played thaaat well. Strange thing is: the penalties saved Slomkas backside, actually somthing that -in my eyes- not so much relates to the coache's performance with the team...but well; that is mass-media influence on sports me thinks. Today coach is king, tomorrow the biggest looser under the sun....

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Indeed, Neuer made "impossible" saves as Porto missed too many goals...

[scotchedpommes]

Wow, lucky you...They don't show it on TV here in Germany; only god knows why....:shame: I try to find a way to watch it online....So both of us hope for a good game I guess and a win for his team...the point where we might differ.....
Rangers charging too much for the pictures? [Partly in jest; don't know, but
Rangers tried to fleece Partizan and C. Zvezda when they wanted to get
coverage of their games at Ibrox.] You might be able to watch it for free on
uefa.com, worked for me last year with Uefa Cup games.

[Ronin]

My thanks to Schalke 04 for what they did yesterday...thanks for knocking those Porto bastards off the champions league...

I don´t have a club of my own....but I become an ardent supporter of whoever is playing against porto :laugh4:

great goalkeeper by the way.

[The Wandering Scholar]

So who would like to see severe bans on cheating? By cheating I mean more diving and play acting.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Gonna get pumped, Rhy. ~;)

Hmmm... :smash:

How McCulloch didn't get our third I will never know.

@Subedei: It was a good game, and Rangers were on top form. The match was shown here on TV, so I'm guessing I'll be able to go see the second leg. Its not over for you anyway, I'm glad to have seen Diego play, he really looks like a great player, even if his team-mates weren't at their best on the night.

EDIT: Also what a result for Bayern against Anderlecht, 5-0 away?! Oh well I suppose you can at least take a little comfort from that rdece, even you dons held them to a 2-2 draw.

[scotchedpommes]

Hmmm... :smash:

How McCulloch didn't get our third I will never know.
Let's bear in mind first that you had Tim "We still love you, Timmy" Wiese helping
you out. He of, quite possibly the worst [worse than Volkan] ever Champions
League blunder of all time against Juventus. He plainly still doesn't take well to
European nights. He had an absolute shocker. Though Naldo clearly did his bit,
despite probably not deserving to be on the pitch, to keep Werder hanging in
the tie.

Kept the match on in the background, but more or less switched off in disgust
when the second went in. Given the defensive display in Greece, you should be
able to go through. [And yes, it'll be on tele here.]

[Rhyfelwyr]

Also what is going on in the FA cup? Portsmouth beat Man Utd, Barnsley beat Chelsea, and Cardiff beat Middlesbrough?

The only result that wasn't a surprise still put a Championship side through.

So either Pompey, Barnsley, Cardiff, or West Brom for Europe now. Bizarre...

And in Scotland, the Dons were soo close to putting Celtic out of the cup. Rangers of course triumphant over Hibs.:2thumbsup:

And Dumbartons bottom of the table scrap with Forfar is called off.:wall:

EDIT: I don't suppose any saw the 'That was the Team that Was' programme on BBC a few days ago? Raith Rovers were leading Bayern Munich in Europe just over a decade ago?:dizzy2:

[The Wandering Scholar]

You have got to admire the fitness levels of Celtic probably only compared with Rangers but I do not recall many 90th minute goals by them..

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

~:)

Anorthosis though, not Anderlecht. [And yes, I saw that a while back; the
parasitic responses irritating me all the while.]

PSV 2-1 Spurs, tonight.

[Watched the Spurs game, following the Everton game where possible.
Would say that neither English side deserved to go out based on their
performances tonight, and I didn't particularly enjoy seeing them go,
regardless of sympathies. Hoping Bolton turn things around tomorrow,
but just can't see it happening. All the damage was done in the first leg,
at least as far as tonight's English showing was concerned.]

[The Wandering Scholar]

i'm going for a score draw

[naut]

Edit:

[Ianofsmeg16]

In all fairness...spurs can take penalties...it went on to be 6-5 out of 7 pens each

thats pretty damn close...it was Chimbonda, a defender who usually scores with his head, that knocked us out...although i wouldve expected Jenas to score his, if he had, we'd have won. I dunno..maybe it was big game nerves?

[scotchedpommes]

I would blame Jenas before Chimbonda. Chimbonda clearly didn't want to take a
penalty, but Jenas had chosen to. All he needed to do was blast it hard and low,
as had two of the others. Even if Gomes had gone the right way it would have
been difficult for him to get his body down, but instead he goes and tries to lift
it into the lefthand side of the goal at the perfect pace and height for a guy as
big as Gomes to push it away.

As for Everton, Yakubu was nailed-on to miss. He always tries to be casual,
without actually having the skill to put them away by chipping or rolling them in
under pressure. [I heard a Spurs fan level exactly the same attempted-casual
bottler accusation at Jenas, but I think it applies even more so to Yakubu's
penalties.] Just slam it home.

Edit: Just found out Bolton have all but sent reserves to play Sporting.
Rangers are under constant pressure, but Werder are just not putting the ball in
the net.

[Ianofsmeg16]

I agree...Jenas shouldve gone for power over finesse, slam it low and hard and the goalie wont be able to do anything, although i have to give credit to Gomes, he's a good goalie.

[Rhyfelwyr]

:sweatdrop:

Edge of the seat stuff for the RFC there. McGregor has got to get the spot as Scotland keeper, although he might be best letting a defender take his goal kicks...

Diego's goal was top-notch, he really knows how to get the crowd going as-well.

And Almeida stormed off in a huff because he got tacken off.:laugh4:

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

I just heard a snippet of a post-match interview with him saying that the team
included several internationals, under-21 internationals, etc. "Most of the players
who played in Munich and Belgrade", and so on. He's just prioritising a game
against Wigan, over the most important European match Bolton were ever going
to have. I almost hope they lose to Wigan, and that is saying enough, I suppose.

[InsaneApache]

It's a sad fact of life that the EPL is more important (and lucrative) than the waffa. It does seem strange that the pie eaters should be a more important match, to us anyway, than a UEFA quater final.

I watched it on CH 5 and I thought we played OK, though I'd have left Vaz Te on.

I hope we don't do a tractor boys. :sweatdrop:

[Subedei]

Worst Werder week in a long time:
2:0 Rangers - Werder
6:3 Vfb Stuttgart - Werder
1:0 Werder- Rangers and out the UEFA Cup we go....I am a sad green bunny....:no: :sweatdrop: :wall:

This pic of Almeida being fouled is kinda symptomatic for this week.... http://www.werder.de/aktuelles/news/meldung.php?id=12782

[scotchedpommes]

I hope we don't do a tractor boys. :sweatdrop:
Well, you've already outlasted them by an age, haven't you?

Champions League quarter-final draw:

1 Arsenal - Liverpool
2 AS Roma - Man Utd
3 Schalke 04 - FC Barcelona
4 Fenerbahçe - Chelsea

Champions League semi-final draw:

1 Arsenal/Liverpool - Fenerbahçe/Chelsea
2 Schalke 04/FC Barcelona - AS Roma/Man Utd


Uefa Cup quarter-final draw:

1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen - FC Zenit St. Petersburg
2 Rangers - Sporting Portugal
3 FC Bayern - Getafe
4 Fiorentina - PSV Eindhoven

Uefa Cup semi-final draw:

1 FC Bayern/Getafe - Bayer 04 Leverkusen/FC Zenit St. Petersburg
2 Rangers/Sporting Portugal - Fiorentina/PSV Eindhoven




Brief points: Scouse to be destroyed. :2thumbsup: Le Sulk to be an
unbelievable flop in front of his former employers. [For once.]
Rangers should progress, because as IA will be all too aware,
Sporting really didn't offer that much.

[naut]

Edit:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Sporting 1 - Bolton 0 was a bad result for us, considering Bolton played without 7 starting eleven. Although we also played without 2 starting eleven we should have managed to score more goals.
3 years ago when we reached Uefa cup final i think we could beat any team and against Rangers no doubt we were favourites, but today we are not that strong and Rangers is favourite. However, let's see what happens in the 1st leg...

Let's go Sporting...:charge:

[InsaneApache]

Sorry mate but if that's Sportings' near best against our second, pray, even third string, the Huns will eat you for breakfast.

Good luck anyroad. :yes:

[Craterus]

My Champions League Predictions

Arsenal will beat Liverpool.
Roma will beat Man Utd.
Chelsea will beat Fenerbahce.
Barcelona will beat Schalke 04.

As long as Chelsea/Scumchester don't win, I'll be happy. ~:)

[LittleGrizzly]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Champions League Predictions

Arsenal will beat Liverpool.
Roma will beat Man Utd.
Chelsea will beat Fenerbahce.
Barcelona will beat Schalke 04.

That sounds about right to me except i see Man Utd beating Roma

[Craterus]

Admittedly, that one's wishful thinking. But Roma are in form.

[Rhyfelwyr]

My predictions:

Liverpool will beat Arsenal
Man Utd will beat Roma
Fenerbahce will beat Chelsea
Barcelona will beat Schalke 04

Liverpool will beat Fenerbahce
Man Utd will beat Barcelona

Man Utd will beat Liverpool



And Rangers will win the UEFA cup, obviously...

[naut]

Edit:

[scotchedpommes]

Well we might as well of just given the Title to the Car Thieves last night. :furious3:
Right enough. Though the title's not gone till next weekend at Stamford Bridge.

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

The rumor mill is starting to work overtime after this post on the Liverpool Echo forums revealed the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal draw -- more than 90 minutes before the actual draw took place.

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/03/14/was-uefa-champions-league-draw-rigged/

:inquisitive:

[naut]

*Cue Sepp Blatter saying something outrageously dumb.*

[InsaneApache]

Which reminds me, I wonder if his wife is called Fanny? :laugh4:

[Dutch_guy]

I've seen skill before, but this is just ridiculous! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep7fuFnuKeo)

That was pretty impressive, and she did manage to throw quite far to boot.

:balloon2:

[scotchedpommes]

Gutted for Dundee United. Just lost the league cup to the Huns on penalties.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Gutted for Dundee United. Just lost the league cup to the Huns on penalties.

Could we have asked for a better cup final? Intense stuff, edge of the seat all the way through.

In fairness to Dundee Utd, they deserved to win it. They had more of the ball, although they failed to create enough up front with it. On the issue of the penalty claim, I wouldn't say it was a stonewall decision, although if I was in the ref's boots I would have given it. Rangers were similarly cheated though when Darcheville was caught "offside" when he was in acres of space with only the keeper to beat.

Utd may have played better on the day, but Kerr is the RFC's man of the match. Absolute gift to, of all people he could have chosen, Boyd. And of course McGregor was fantastic in goal with those PK's.

I'm disappointed for the Utd Chairman though, it was a special day for him. He can however be very proud of his side, no-one could have asked them to give any more.

Watching that game has really made me feel more optimistic about the future of Scottish football. Yes we have had the disappointment of Hearts, the embarrasment of Gretna, and more specifically conditions at Fir Park (although I heard you dons cheered Gretna off on Saturday, rightfully so considering their players had no obligation to turn up). However, when teams like Dundee United can play like that, it shows you just how much the game has improved, especially with teams like Motherwell and Hibs are rivalling them, not to mention improvements further down the table - take Falkirk for example.

A great game of football today, first piece of silver-ware in three years.:2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Watching that game has really made me feel more optimistic about the future of Scottish football.
Struggling as I am not to be flippant about that line in particular, of course it's
going to make you feel more optimistic about the state of Scottish football. All
it has served to show is that your team has managed to get its own act
together sufficiently to scrape past a bunch of average teams with significantly
less in the way of resources at their disposal. The mighty Rangers have emerged
from their momentary blip. Fantastic. A bright future for us all. Or no, the
continued decline of other teams, to be further worsened in the coming seasons
as now [as in years past] not only Celtic will be able to poach the best players
coming through from other squads.

Admittedly a United win yesterday would probably only have been a token
gesture, and not the beginning of a sustained shift. But until we see teams
competing and winning, yes actually winning against both sides of Glasgow,

there's **** all to be optimistic about, as far as [i]Scottish football is concerned.

Well done though, yeah.

[Louis VI the Fat]

That's not how I see the Scottish league. The dominance of the Old Firm will never be broken. But that is not a problem, but a blessing for Scotland. Without Celtic and the Rangers, the Scottish league would be like the Danish or the Irish league. Insignificant, just another small regional league. It is only the Old Firm that lends Scottish football an air of relevance. Two massive clubs of international fame and reknown is an excellent score for a small region like Scotland, and elevates the relevance of the entire Scottish league to the level of the Dutch or Portuguese leagues.

~~~~

Didn't want to waste an entire post on it, but Bordeaux failed in its bid to topple Lyon last week. It was Lyon - Bordeaux. A win would've seen us equal on points. Alas, it turned out a 4-2 loss. ~:mecry:

[Rhyfelwyr]

Well you would not have seen a performance like that from Dundee United last season. I can't believe how pessimistic you are. OK Aberdeen are having a crap season, so are my side, but other teams are no doubt playing much better football than they have in the past.

Teams are actaully having a go at the Old Firm these days. Since Rangers le Guen episode the rest of the SPL has realised the Old Firm are beatable, and are doing better for it. Is it not obvious whenever you see Motherwell or Falkirk play?

I remember it was not all that long ago that Rangers were pulling off results like 7-0 victories over Hibs. Somehow I can't see that happening nowadays. The reality is the Old Firm aren't what the used to be, especially Rangers.

Without even going into the obvious success of the national side, its clear things are looking up for Scottish football.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

That's not how I see the Scottish league. The dominance of the Old Firm will never be broken. But that is not a problem, but a blessing for Scotland. Without Celtic and the Rangers, the Scottish league would be like the Danish or the Irish league. Insignificant, just another small regional league. It is only the Old Firm that lends Scottish football an air of relevance. Two massive clubs of international fame and reknown is an excellent score for a small region like Scotland, and elevates the relevance of the entire Scottish league to the level of the Dutch or Portuguese leagues.

Agreed. Without Sporting, Benfica and Porto, Portuguese league was just...amateur boys trying to do something with a ball...or almost, as a few other teams, like Braga, eventualy managed to do something but without a long term consistency...
That's the bad thing, because those 3 old firms eventualy won every internal competition. If we have more competitive teams the so called "small leagues" would improve...

[scotchedpommes]

That's not how I see the Scottish league. The dominance of the Old Firm will never be broken. But that is not a problem, but a blessing for Scotland. Without Celtic and the Rangers, the Scottish league would be like the Danish or the Irish league. Insignificant, just another small regional league. It is only the Old Firm that lends Scottish football an air of relevance. Two massive clubs of international fame and reknown is an excellent score for a small region like Scotland, and elevates the relevance of the entire Scottish league to the level of the Dutch or Portuguese leagues.
I wouldn't suggest that overall dominance could be broken, but it doesn't stop
me wanting to see it pegged back. [Enough to see other teams regularly take
the odd shiny bauble.] Nor would I want to see Rangers and Celtic gone;
obviously the league would die. Home games against Rangers are the only ones
anyone bothers to go to. I want to see another team make it to the group
stages of the Champions League. I want to see another team win the league.
In all honesty, I'd rather watch the Danish [or usually Swedish] league, because
I don't know how it's going to go. It's vaguely exciting. Imagine that.


Didn't want to waste an entire post on it, but Bordeaux failed in its bid to topple Lyon last week. It was Lyon - Bordeaux. A win would've seen us equal on points. Alas, it turned out a 4-2 loss. ~:mecry:
Had been going to express my own disappointment earlier [complete with goal
videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjHTK-EW4zg)] but thought it might be a tad cruel. Ah well. Here's to the decade of
Lyon, eh...

~:cheers:

Edit: Finally, finally Aberdeen win at Celtic Park (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7301203.stm).
https://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rdecejabolko/1e44501998.jpg
No, not optimistic yet. Extremely one-sided game. We'll see after Queen of the South.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Nice timing Aberdeen after the recent discussion here.:2thumbsup:

And then Rangers draw with Partick Thistle.:dizzy2:

And Dumbarton/Stenhousemuir unoficially break the record for the most overhead-kicks in a third division game. Even if the only goal came from a lucky deflection.

[scotchedpommes]

And Dumbarton/Stenhousemuir unoficially break the record for the most overhead-kicks in a third division game. Even if the only goal came from a lucky deflection.Any unusual betting patterns before the game? :grin2:

Big games in England tomorrow. I intend to watch Chelsea - Arsenal, which will
undoubtedly doom Arsenal.

In Germany, HSV's title challenge looks to be gone after appearing to be alive
only just last week when Bayern lost to the bottom team. So it looks like the
only open, 'big' top-flight league left in Western Europe is in England.

:sweatdrop:

Edit: Les Girondins felled by Hun idol Šebo?! Why Louis, why? Of all the men to kill
off a title race, him?

[scotchedpommes]

Today's friendlies in Europe:
Andorra - Latvia
Armenia - Kazakhstan
Austria - Holland
Belarus - Turkey
Belgium - Morocco
Bosnia-Hercegovina - Macedonia
Bulgaria - Finland
Denmark - Czech Republic
Estonia - Canada
France - England
Hungary - Slovenia
Israel - Chile
Lithuania - Azerbaijan
Luxembourg - Wales
Malta - Liechtenstein
Montenegro - Norway
Northern Ireland - Georgia
Poland - USA
Portugal - Greece
Romania - Russia
Scotland - Croatia
Slovakia - Iceland
Spain - Italy
Sweden - Brazil
Switzerland - Germany
Ukraine - Serbia

[Subedei]

We got a little bomb wating...France vs. England...:inquisitive:

[Brave]

So.. Strach is not dissapointed with the lack of goals/shot ratio? I would be, it showed against Aberdeen that we have to become more prolific. At least we got a few past Gretna.

[scotchedpommes]

We got a little bomb wating...France vs. England...:inquisitive:
A few of the matches don't strike me as being lovefests.

Portugal - Greece [Revenge, anyone?]
Spain - Italy

Among others. As for us, well, we're about to be shafted. Haven't won a friendly
at home Hampden for 12 years and stripped of Huns being rested for the Old Firm
derby. But don't worry, Josip '3 yellows' Šimunić knows we won't lie down for Croatia.
He loves Braveheart, and knows we'll fight for our causes. Ta, Joe. I see capitulation
on the horizon.

Took a while to get into it. Very physical, dirty game, against a technically superior side,
so 1-1 seems a good result. Let's give credit to Austria who managed to throw away
what would have been a crucial morale-boosting victory, when they contrived to lose a
three goal lead against Holland. 3-4 the home result, and the Austrians successfully
salvage a crushing defeat. :laugh4:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

A few of the matches don't strike me as being lovefests.
Portugal - Greece [Revenge, anyone?]


Portugal - 1 Greece - 2

Gah! :wall: it was a lovefest for the Greeks for sure! Even considering we played without 4/5 starting eleven players and as far as i know Greece played at full strenghs, it seems we are condemned to always loose against these ultra defensive guys. To be honest they deserved to win as we play bad (we will be crushed by the Czecs playing like that...:smash:). Greece played the same as usual...but both freekicks are amazing.

[naut]

Edit:

[naut]

Edit:

[InsaneApache]

I hate Arsenal. :furious3:

There's time for us to chuck it away yet, trust me. :shame:

[naut]

Edit:

[naut]

Edit:

[Rhyfelwyr]

And Ranges win the big Old Firm game.:2thumbsup:

Although I felt embarrassed watching Thomson's dive.:shame:

And then I went straight to watch Dumbarton after that. Oh dear....

[scotchedpommes]

There's time for us to chuck it away yet, trust me. :shame:
As the final whistle at Le Stade de Reebok sounded as music to my ears,
amidst disbelief and celebration, I paused to reflect on the end of an era. As
the Arsenal fans were busy pinching themselves, I couldn't help but feel there
was something missing from the stands. As the Barcodes took the time to bid
farewell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YRfXQDp68c) to the Mackems not so long ago, so I think the bogey team to beat
them all deserved a proper send off. Genuinely sad to think that les Trotters
will be replaced by the likes of the Potters, [a truly one-dimensional long ball
team I'd rather not have the misfortune of watching] especially when you came
so close to being a solid top-half side. Still think you should've put out a full
strength side against Sporting - to get a victory in Portugal would've been such
a boost to morale, and surely the confidence gained from that would've been
enough to see you past ten men of Wigan.

Alas, it wasn't to be. The bogey team is crushed. Enjoy fizzy pop, Mr. Bolton,
and do come back soon.

~:wave:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Just amazing!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKnDF33GrFY

[Craterus]

Pfft. Now watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ4sB-PHlgk

[naut]

Edit:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Pfft. Now watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ4sB-PHlgk

Not bad, Ronaldo has already score dozens like that...

[Craterus]

And countless others have scored ones like the one you posted ~;)

Ronaldo can be stopped anyway: Wise words. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7315069.stm)

[naut]

Edit:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

And countless others have scored ones like the one you posted ~;)

Yes, we all know that...:yes:


Ronaldo can be stopped anyway: Wise words. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7315069.stm)

Sure he can, there are no perfect players. :dizzy2: but even a former "hammer", opps... i mean "hardman" like Smith refuse wild tackling and intentional injury over him, unlike others...indeed wise words

This is just amazing:
"I did warn players," said Smith. "When Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves came out at Anfield one time I handed him a piece of paper. He said: 'What's this?' I said: 'Just open it.' It was the menu from the Liverpool Infirmary." - Tommy Smith

[scotchedpommes]

Torres is too good for Liverpool, I think that's clear, and it does concern me for
the coming matches. As for the goals, I seem to remember John Carew [yes,
however unlikely, I know] scoring an unbelievable crafty flick of a goal in the
Champions League against Real Madrid. Regardless of the player, that is the
best club football stage to score it on. Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUiJTjFqN6o). Oh, and the player being wasted
at Wolves was a Manc product.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Torres is too good for Liverpool, I think that's clear, and it does concern me for
the coming matches. As for the goals, I seem to remember John Carew [yes,
however unlikely, I know] scoring an unbelievable crafty flick of a goal in the
Champions League against Real Madrid. Regardless of the player, that is the
best club football stage to score it on. Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUiJTjFqN6o). Oh, and the player being wasted
at Wolves was a Manc product.

It reminds me this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cwsWThYjBE
Both are unbelievable but maybe thats because they are also...wonderful!!! :beam:

[LittleGrizzly]

Man Utd beat Roma 2-0 away from home surely through to the semi finals.

Looking good to win the CL this season, can't look outside Barcelona and the other english teams but Utd are playing better

[InsaneApache]

What a great penalty! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l6BHKF4tL0)

:laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

That is priceless. What a league in Hungary, eh. And a nod to Chelsea's downfall
in Turkey. Not surprised at all.

[naut]

Edit:

[Dutch_guy]

What a great penalty! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l6BHKF4tL0)

:laugh4:

That's was hilarious :laugh4:

And good job Fenerbahçe, was hoping they'd win :2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

'Despite the fact that he [Ronaldo] is a great champion, he is very arrogant,' said Pizarro. 'He does certain spiteful things on the pitch. This is the ugliest thing for a player. In the return leg I will have something to say to him.'

Oh well yes, former italian winger Bruno Conti also said something about it...i guess Roma dislike the fact that Ronaldo released to the media that Roma Players pledge for mercy when they were beaten 7-1 last year! the most incredible is that they immediately attack him (yesterday he was intensely fooled), but do not denied!!! ~:eek:

Anyway, obviously Ronaldo don't need this and he shouldn't released that kind of stuff as Man Utd is far better than Roma.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

It seams Ronaldo already reply to Conti and Pizarro saying to the Portuguese media:
"Nothing against my rivals. Those plays are just part of my way of interpreting football. I have always done them, even three or four years ago when I was younger. But there are plays that I do for the good of the team and never to ridicule my opponents. I tried to do the best for Manchester United and not to make others look silly. It's just a part of who i am."

In my point of view i think it's sad when highly skilled players almost feel obliged to apologise for their superior techical gifts. It's surely bizarre that in a game that professes to be entertainment, the entertainers are criticized for being entertaining...

[LittleGrizzly]

I think its bitterness myself, some of the best skill in football involves making your opponent look like an idiot, Im sure Cyruff (sp?) made quite a few world class players look ordinary with his famous cyruff turn but it was a tool he would use to a footballing advantadge. Things like trying to lob the keeper a fancy flick a fancy turn these things are not arrogance but an attempt at great art.

[scotchedpommes]

[Never seen him called Cyruff before - bonus points for inventiveness,
surely.]

Now here is Deivid's stunning goal against Chelsea. Pick that out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYgtzcNz1sU),
I say. What a way to win a game.

Colin Kazim-Richards, as we once knew him at Sheffield United, [scored a
sweet one against Bolton, did he not, IA?] henceforth "Kazim Kazim" and
now declared for Turkey, scored the first with a good finish (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQNdsy-CcR4).

Can't see them coming through the second leg, though I think they
deserve it for spirit alone.

Edit: Aforementioned goal against Bolton is in here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2DaWjWd3-Q), though the whole
video is worth a look, as you might expect from a Goal of the Month
compilation.